When you own a home, one of the most pressing issues is plumbing. While it may not seem like such an urgent issue, plumbing problems can quickly become expensive and inconvenient for everyone in the house. Luckily, there are many different ways in which you can tackle plumbing problems that don’t require you to be a professional plumber. You don’t need expensive tools or specialized training to get the job done. In fact, there are some basic plumbing techniques that can be done with simple tools found in any home repair store. You don’t need to be a professional plumber to get the job done right and save money in the long run! Here are some of the most common techniques used by plumbers:
Repairing faucets and water pipes
One of the most common plumbing problems is a leaking faucet or leaking water pipe. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as worn-out washers or corroded pipe joints. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to repair this problem yourself and avoid having to call a plumber. First, you’ll want to shut off the main water supply to the house. While you’re at it, you may also want to shut off any other water sources, like the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Next, you’ll want to remove the faucet from the wall in order to access the inside of the faucet itself. From there, you can inspect the faucet and washers for damage and replace any that are in poor condition. As for the pipes, you can use a wrench or pliers to gently turn them to check for water damage or wear and tear. Once you’ve identified the source of the problem, you can easily repair it and save yourself a trip to the plumber’s!
Unclogging kitchen and bathroom drains
Another common plumbing problem is a clogged drain. It can be a real headache to try and unclog a drain by yourself, especially if you’ve never done it before. The best way to tackle this challenge is to start by locating the main shut-off valve for your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Once you’ve found the shut-off, you can turn it off and close the physical plug that is blocking your drains. Then, you’ll want to use a small handheld plunger to try and break up the clog. If this doesn’t work and the clog continues to persist, you can try using a plumbing snake to get the job done. You can even find special plumbing snakes that are designed specifically for this purpose. Once you’ve broken up the clog, you’ll want to use a wet-wipe or brush to remove any dirt or debris that has built up inside the pipes. Once again, you can use a handheld plunger to try and push any loose materials back down into the pipes. With the main clog out of the way, you should be able to turn the faucet on and let the water flow freely once again!
Bending, cutting, and soldering copper pipes
If you have a more complex plumbing project, such as replacing a water line or installing a new water heater, you’ll want to take extra precautions to protect your home and avoid a costly accident. When you’re working with copper pipes, you’ll want to make sure you use the right tools. For example, you should never try and bend a copper pipe with pliers or a wrench. Instead, you should use a special copper pipe bender. Another important safety tip that is relevant to all plumbing projects is to always wear protective eyewear, earplugs, and a dust mask. You’ll also want to cover any flooring or furniture with plastic sheeting to protect it from any spills. Copper pipes are a common material in many plumbing projects, but they are notoriously expensive to replace. If you have an older home and want to replace copper pipes, you may also want to consider adding a protective coating. This can help extend the life of the copper pipes by reducing corrosion.
Finding leaks and cracks in your foundation walls and floors
Another big issue with plumbing is leaks and cracks in your foundation walls and floors. These can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a tree root growing into the soil and expanding, or an old roof that has been damaged by heavy rain and hail. Luckily, there are some simple ways to find and repair these problems without having to call in a professional plumber. First, you’ll want to look for signs of water damage outside your home. For example, you may notice a discoloration in your landscaping or in the soil around your home, or you may notice a distinct smell that is not present in other parts of your home. Next, you’ll want to walk around the inside of your home and look for any signs of water damage. You can check for discoloration on the walls and ceilings, and you may even find a puddle of water that has seeped in through a small crack or hole in the wall. Finally, you may want to hire a professional inspector to come out and take a look at your home and provide you with a detailed report on any potential plumbing issues.
Conclusion
The above are just a few of the most common plumbing techniques that don’t require you to be a professional plumber. You can also try things like adding a water filter, installing a water softener, or replacing old pipes with PEX. These are just a few of the many things you can do to keep your plumbing in good shape without having to call a professional for assistance. Now that you know what to expect when you own a home, you can better prepare for any plumbing issues that may arise in the future.